Danish style is all about simple, functional designs and natural materials. Here’s how to decorate your home with the best of Danish style.
Embrace Minimalism
Less is more when it comes to Danish decor. Stick to simple, clean lines and avoid clutter. Some tips:
- Focus on multifunctional furniture like sofas with hidden storage.
- Edit ruthlessly. Only keep items you use and love.
- Organize clutter into closed storage like cabinets and drawers.
- Limit decorative accents. A few meaningful art pieces have more impact than lots of knickknacks.
Choose Natural Materials
Natural textures like wood, cotton, wool and leather create a relaxed vibe.
- Wood: Danish style uses lots of light wood like birch, ash and oak. Painted wood also works for furniture.
- Cotton & Wool: Use cotton and wool textiles for upholstery and bedding. Crisp white linens are a classic.
- Leather: Look for vegetable-tanned leather with natural markings. Brown is traditional but grays work too.
- Rattan & Wicker: Great for chairs, standing lamps and baskets. It’s casual and lightweight.
- Stoneware & Ceramics: Serve food on stoneware and display ceramics. Neutral glazes keep it simple.
Focus on Functionality
Danish design is meant to be used and enjoyed. Seek furniture and decor that’s practical as well as beautiful.
- Multipurpose Furniture: Look for sofas with chaise lounges, storage ottomans, and beds with built-in nightstands.
- Flexible Storage: Use baskets, wall hooks and modular shelving to store items attractively.
- Durable Materials: Choose furniture made of long-wearing natural fibers, wood and leathers.
- Easy-Care Fabrics: Unfussy cottons, linens and durable weaves stand up to everyday life.
- Family Friendly: Skip fancy flourishes for furniture that can handle kids and pets. Washable fabric is a plus.
Create a Light + Airy Vibe
White walls, light wood, and ample natural light give Danish rooms an open, inviting feel.
- Paint It White: Stick to all-white or mostly white color schemes. Off-whites like cream also work.
- Light Wood Floors: Bleached oak and light pine floors keep rooms feeling bright and relaxed.
- Floor-Length Curtains: Unlined, lightweight linen or cotton curtains soften windows and walls.
- Mirrors & Metallics: Add lightness with mirrors, marble, brushed metals and glass tabletops.
- House Plants: Greenery naturally freshens the air and spirits. Group plants of varied heights and sizes.
Embrace Hygge Coziness
The Danish concept of hygge is key. Create intimate, welcoming spaces where you can unwind alone or gather with loved ones.
- Plush Seating: Deep, down-cushioned sofas and lounge chairs invite relaxation. Place furniture to create intimate groupings.
- Cozy Textiles: Layer rugs, blankets and pillows in natural fabrics. sheepskins add irresistible softness and warmth.
- Dimmable Lighting: Install dimmers to set just the right mood lighting. Try pendant lamps, floor lamps and table lamps.
- Candlelight: Cluster candles in groups for a relaxing glow. Place them in lanterns for safety.
- Warm Drink Station: Set up a charming little bar or cart for coffee, tea and cocoa. Include mugs, a kettle and snacks.
Add Pops of Color Carefully
Though mostly neutral, Danish style integrates colorful accents in fun ways.
- Artwork: Hang abstract art, photography and prints featuring bright colors for pops of contrast.
- Accessories: Toss jewel-toned pillows on neutral sofas or bright ceramic pieces into a mostly white decor scheme.
- Flower Arrangements: Fresh-cut blooms in colorful vases instantly energize.
- Rugs & Textiles: Layer in rugs and throws with bold geometric patterns or bright hues.
- Kitchenware: Display colorful glassware, serveware and appliances like stand mixers.
Source Your Look Authentically
Seeking out Danish and Scandinavian brands helps achieve an authentic look and feel.
Recommended Brands
- Furniture: Hans Wegner, Artek, Fritz Hansen, Hay, Design House Stockholm, Normann Copenhagen.
- Textiles: Kvadrat, Marimekko, HAY.
- Tableware: Royal Copenhagen, Georg Jensen, Royal Doulton, Iittala.
- Lighting: Louis Poulsen, Flos, Artek.
- Accessories: Fredericia, Kay Bojesen, Ferm Living, Muuto.
Where to Buy
- Online: 2Modern, Lumens, Scandinavian Designs, Horne.
- Brick & Mortar: Design Within Reach, Crate & Barrel, IKEA.
- Vintage: Danish auction houses like Bruun Rasmussen, antiques stores.
Incorporate Danish Style in Key Rooms
Let’s explore how to bring Danish style into some of the main spaces in your home:
Living Room
- Sofa in natural linen or cotton with exposed wood legs
- Light wood coffee table
- Pendant lamp over coffee table
- Sheepskin throw rugs
- Abstract art prints in colored frames
- Spot for hygge: armchair with ottoman & floor lamp
Dining Room
- Oval wood dining table with wishbone chairs
- Pendant light over table
- Sideboard for storage
- Stoneware dinnerware
- Centerpiece of green leaves or eucalyptus & votive candles
- Natural fiber rug like jute under table
Bedroom
- Wood platform bed with crisp white bedding
- Nightstands with drawer storage
- Bench or armchair with side table for reading
- Hanging pendant lights or table lamps
- Large mirror to open up small space
- Walk-in closet for hidden storage
Home Office
- Desk, shelves & cabinetry in light wood
- Cotton or linen upholstered desk chair
- Woven baskets for storage
- Gallery wall with prints & photos
- Plant on desk or shelves
- Patterned rug under desk
Common Questions About Danish Style
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you master Danish style:
What are the main colors used in Danish design?
Danish style relies primarily on white and neutral colors like beige, gray and black. Pops of bright color are added sparingly through art, accessories and textiles.
What kind of wood is used in Danish furniture?
Light-colored woods like ash, birch, maple and oak are most common. Teak and walnut show up but darker woods are used more sparingly.
What fabrics are preferred in Danish decor?
Natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool and leather dominate. The fabrics tend to be durable, informal and often left undyed or in light colors.
Should you get authentic or knock-off Danish designs?
Splurging on designs by renowned Danish brands ensures you get real, high-quality Danish style. But budget brands like IKEA offer similar looks for less. Mix in some key vintage or designer Danish pieces along with more affordable options.
How do you arrange seating in a Danish living room?
Create intimate groupings of chairs and sofas gathered around a coffee table, rather than lining them up formally. Add floor lamps behind chairs for light. Include side tables for drinks.
What are the best places to buy Danish and Scandinavian style furnishings?
- Online at specialty shops like Danish Design Store and Lumens
- Brick-and-mortar stores like Design Within Reach and IKEA
- Vintage and antique shops, plus Danish auction houses
- Directly from Danish designer brands
How can you add hygge to your home?
Create cozy spaces for relaxing alone or socializing. Use plush seating, soft textiles, dim lighting and warming touches like candlelight, fireplaces, tea stations and trays of sweets or appetizers.
Conclusion
With its emphasis on functionality, natural materials and simplicity, Danish style creates living spaces that are both beautiful and highly livable. Using the tips in this guide, focus on light colors, clean lines, and purposeful furnishings made of wood, cotton, wool and leather. Add warmth with ample plants, candles and hygge-enhancing touches. With just a few key pieces from Danish brands, you can infuse your home with the best of this timeless, welcoming style.
